When the final episodes of Stranger Things Season 4 aired on Friday, Netflix suffered a brief crash. Whether it was Vecna interfering with the streaming service or fans desperate for answers, chaos still ensued.
Over the past few years, the series has had a cultural impact so strong, that even those of us who weren’t around in the 80s have started feeling nostalgic about that time. Where atmosphere is concerned, The Duffer Brothers have successfully invoked the era of feathered hair and walkmans. A lot of that has to do with music. This is especially true for Season 4, where the power of music was enough to fend off evil.
Hopefully, fans will not be fighting interdimensional monsters anytime soon. But the show has still changed our playlists for the better. If you liked the music featured in Stranger Things, here’s 5 albums from the 80s you should listen to:
Hounds of Love – Kate Bush
The iconic British musician’s song ‘Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)’ broke three records over thirty years after its release when it featured in Stranger Things. It was the song that saved Max (Sadie Sink) from a gruesome death at the hands of Vecna. But the self-produced album that contains this song is a masterpiece in itself. Subversively exploring themes of gender, sexuality, and liberation, it skyrocketed Bush’s popularity and would go on to become one of the defining alternative albums of the 1980s.
Remain In Light – Talking Heads
The rock band’s fourth studio album, Remain In Light is playful, groovy, and carried almost entirely by its experimentation in rhythm. ‘Listening Wind’ is a particularly interesting and innovative track both in terms of vocals and lyrics. Still, the Talking Heads song that made it to Stranger Things was one from 1977 – ‘Psycho Killer’. It was featured in Episode 1 of Season 4.
Master of Puppets – Metallica
There is arguably nothing left to say about one of the greatest metal albums, not just of the 1980s, but of all time. The creators of Stranger Things chose to feature the song of the same name during one of the most powerful scenes of Season 4, Volume 2. The album is raw and powerful as a whole, but each individual track stands complete in itself, too. This is one timeless classic that can never be forgotten while discussing this revolutionary time in music.
Youthquake – Dead or Alive
Dead or Alive became one of the most iconic new wave acts following the release of their album Youthquake. It featured the hit song ‘You Spin Me Round’, which made it to the US Top 20. This album truly embodies the upbeat and energetic vibe of the 80s. With catchy melodies and production that gets you grooving, ‘Cake And Eat It’ is another gem on the album that’ll make a great edition to any 80s nostalgia playlist.
Creatures of the Night – Kiss
Once again, a song from 1976, ‘Detroit Rock City’ by Kiss, featured aptly in a ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ sequence from Stranger Things Season 4. But their 1982 album, Creatures of the Night is quite the triumph in heavy metal music. The vocals are commanding, and Steve Farris’ guitar steals the show in the opening single. This album creates the perfect atmosphere for the haunting climax of Stranger Things Season 4, Volume 2.
